The scenery stayed very constant, very green and hilly...yet at the checkpoints the language and personality changed. I have overheard several times the Croatians are exceptionally laid back. I noticed on the Slovenian side of the border guard took took our passports immediately and asked what our business was. The same happened on the Croatian side as well, yet the other guard there was singing and smiling! Finally we got our passports back. I was anxious to find that my first passport had finally been stamped!
After we checked into the hotel, we ate lunch in the dining room - buffet again! Then we were told to wait around by our coaches to meet some famous coach that we didn't really know, but our coaches were very excited about. His name is Nikolai Karpol - he was the Russian National Team coach and has won 2 Olympic Gold Medals. We took a team picture with him.
Beach that near our hotel in Pula, Croatia
Did I mention that our hotel, Hotel Pula, is a two minute walk from the coast of the Adriatic Sea? Through the woods and down a rocky coast and you are on the beach. Jacque and Kat (Katherine Whitney, CSU alumni) swam out while others enjoyed the sun and I stood about knee-deep looking out through the clear water. I'm sure we will be back at the beach tomorrow.
Katherine Whitney and Jacque Davisson in the Adriatic Sea
Katharine Whitney & Mekana Barnes soak up the sun
The team enjoys relaxing on the beach
That night we played OTP Banka Pula, the local club volleyball team. We played our best volleyball so far on this tour and won 3-0. It's been a great trip!
Mekana Barnes
